Mumbai Police ask actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya had sought action against Imran Khan, after the actor participated in anti-CEC protest in Mumbais August Kranti Maidan on October 10, where protesters demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Imran Khan Receiving Money From Pakistan To Spread Anarchy In India: BJP Leader Attacks Aamir Khan's Nephew

Moments after Mumbai Police asked Bollywood actor Imran Khan to leave India for taking part in a recent CJP protest, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has accused the nephew of Aamir Khan of taking funds from Pakistan and conspiring with foreign powers

Actor Imran Khan Faces

Mumbai Police have directed actor Imran Khan to leave India by Oct 28 following his participation in a contentious protest at August Kranti Maidan. The demonstration, which called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, led to Khans brief detention. Action was initiated under the Immigration Act after former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya [] The post Actor Imran Khan Faces Leave India Notice After Joining Mumbai Anti-CEC Demonstration appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Aamir Khans nephew Imran Khan asked to leave India by October 28

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 15 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Aamir Khans nephew Imran Khan has been issued a notice by the Mumbai Police asking him to leave India by October 28, days after he participated in a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Action has been taken against Imran under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, and the actor has received a copy of the notice. The actor was detained by the police on October 10 in connection with the protest. According to the information provided, action has been taken against Imran under the relevant provisions of the Immigration Act for allegedly participating in such a protest despite not being an Indian citizen. On October 13, BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya approached the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities, urging them to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against actor Imran Khan. He has also requested that the actor be barred from leaving the country until an inquiry into his complaint and the investigation into a Mumbai police case are completed. In a letter dated October 13 to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Somaiya called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue directions preventing Khan from travelling abroad under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. He also asked the Bureau of Immigration to issue an LOC against the actor and notify the police should he attempt to leave India. The move comes after a protest at Mumbais August Kranti Maidan on October 10 where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In his letter, Somaiya claimed that the gathering had taken place without the necessary permission. He further alleged that Khan had attended and participated in the protest before Mumbai Police detained him at the venue. According to the letter, Gamdevi Police Station registered an FIR, numbered 813 of 2026, in connection with the incident, with Khan named in the case. Somaiya also stated that he had not received a copy of the FIR. Somaiya claimed in his letter that Khan is a US citizen and reportedly holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. He urged the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration to assess whether the actors participation in the protest calls for action under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Talking about Imran, he first appeared as a child artist in the films Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1998 and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar in 1992. He made his adult acting debut in 2008 with the romantic comedy Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, which was a success. After the failure of his next two films, he then starred in a number of commercially successful romantic comedies such as I Hate Luv Storys, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu and the action comedy thriller Delhi Belly. This was followed by a series of box-office flops and a hiatus. He was seen in a cameo appearance lately in the Vir Das film Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos. It also stars Mithila Palkar, Mona Singh, Sharib Hashmi and Srushti Tawade. The film marked Imran's comeback roughly ten years after he last starred in Katti Batti in 2015. The film followed Happy Patel, who is a clumsy but enthusiastic spy whose missions trigger unexpected consequences. He was seen in a full-fledged role in the 2015 Katti Batti, a romantic comedy film directed, co-produced, and written by Nikhil Advani. The film stars Imran Khan and Kangana Ranaut in the lead roles.

WATCH: Trump Attacks Somalis For 'Destroying' Minnesota Amid Ilhan Omar Row

Donald Trump has launched another blistering attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar and Minnesotas Somali community, accusing Somali immigrants of having fleeced the state and saying they had destroyed Minnesota.Trump also revived his long-running attacks on Omar, again invoking allegations surrounding her past marriage and immigration history as he tied her to wider claims of fraud and corruption in Minnesota.The remarks come amid renewed political scrutiny around Omar following the federal search of her Washington-area home and an investigation linked in reporting to immigration paperwork from her childhood.

U.S. probe of Rep. Ilhan Omar reportedly focuses on birth date and citizenship papers

The federal investigation that prompted the search of Rep. Ilhan Omars D.C. residence on Monday centers on claims that she or her late father may have lied on decades-old immigration paperwork to secure legal status and eventually U.S. citizenship, three people familiar with the matter said. Omar - a Minnesota Democrat who was born in Somalia and fled civil war there with her family before eventually immigrating to the United States in 1995 - has repeatedly rejected such allegations, which have circulated in conservative media for years. She dismissed them again in a statement Monday as baseless lies and smear campaigns. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. It is extremely unusual for federal agents to take public investigative actions related to a member of Congress just weeks before an election because doing so could cast a candidate who is not criminally charged in a negative light. In Omars case, the investigation is notable for other reasons as well: It involves long-ago paperwork from when she was a teenager, and Omar is a lawmaker who has frequently been singled out for criticism and vitriol by President Donald Trump and his allies. The president condemned her again in a social media post Tuesday, after U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro told Fox News that her office had launched a separate inquiry into Omars financial disclosure forms - a matter that has previously drawn the attention of House Republicans. America wants answers, and we want them, NOW! wrote Trump, mirroring his previous calls for Justice Department investigations of his perceived political enemies. The immigration-related inquiry, which could result in fraud charges and potentially an attempt by the Justice Department to strip Omar of her citizenship, is based on a renewed look at her immigration history launched earlier this year by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigative arm of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the people familiar with the matter said. The agency had declined to move forward with such a probe years earlier based on similar allegations, said one of the individuals, who is a former immigration official. That person and a Trump administration official said agents now are especially focused on whether Omar or her father, Nur Omar Mohamed, intentionally misstated her birth date on immigration paperwork so she could be eligible to derive citizenship through him as a minor when he was naturalized in 2000. Both of them, and a third person familiar with the investigation, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details that have not been made public. Investigators have also scrutinized whether Omars father may have purposefully lied or omitted information on his past military service as he sought legal status in the United States before he became a citizen, the Trump administration official said. Mohamed died in 2020. Both questions are considered key to the investigation because they led to Omar securing her citizenship. HSI was just looking at her file top to bottom, the official said. Some members of Omars family have received grand jury subpoenas tied to the investigation in recent days, according to another person familiar with the matter who also spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss investigative details. Omar, a frequent Trump critic and outspoken member of the Democratic Progressive Caucus, dismissed the probe in a statement Monday as the latest attempt by the Trump administration to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement. She declined an interview request Tuesday through her staff. The Department of Homeland Security and the White House referred requests for comment to the Justice Department. A spokesperson for Justice did not return requests for comment. Pirros separate investigation centers on paperwork Omar filed last year showing she and her husband held assets of between $6 million and $30 million, a massive rise in wealth from her previous annual filing. Omar later revised that paperwork to declare assets between $18,000 and $95,000 and chalked up the earlier filing to an accounting error. A House watchdog recommended against misconduct findings against the congresswoman last month. Pirros acknowledgment to Fox News that prosecutors were conducting their own investigation again appears at odds with long-standing Justice Department practice to avoid such statements about active candidates before elections. It doesnt matter what the House does, she said. Were looking at the facts. Based on the facts, well follow them wherever they take us. The search warrant that Homeland Security agents served on Omars residence Monday listed potential charges of conspiracy, immigration fraud and false statements, one person familiar with the document said. The Justice Department could opt to pursue charges along those lines or, if it believes it has proof that Omar improperly obtained her citizenship, it could pursue a criminal or civil denaturalization case against her. Criminal denaturalizations have a 10-year statute of limitations. Civil denaturalizations are not subject to a statute of limitations. The Justice Department under Trump has made denaturalization cases a priority, filing at least 163 since Trump took office in January 2025, federal officials said. Those include 40 cases since August, as the administration ramps up efforts to strip citizenship from people accused of concealing criminal histories and making false statements on their applications. But denaturalization cases have been historically rare, with an average of about 11 per year from 1990 to 2017, according to an analysis from the Migration Policy Institute. Such cases have rarely extended to decades-old actions except in cases tied to serious transnational crimes, including war crimes or genocide. Omar, in her memoir, has said that she and her family fled Somalia when she was around 8 as civil war engulfed the country. She spent four years in a Kenyan refugee camp and immigrated to the United States at age 12 in 1995. She gained citizenship as a minor through the naturalization of her father in 2000. The allegation that Omar was actually 18 at the time of her fathers citizenship application - and therefore ineligible to earn citizenship through her father - gained traction on conservative social media through a viral video posted in 2019. Shortly afterward, the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library, which maintains biographies of current and former state elected officials, revised Omars official birth year in its records from 1981 to 1982, a change that seemed to add momentum to the allegations. The library told The Washington Post on Tuesday that Omars staff had sought that change , saying at the time that it was in the process of correcting Omars birth year in various public sources. Omar, who served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2017 until joining Congress in 2019, also sought to change the birth year in Wikipedia and on the U.S. House of Representatives website, the library said. Omar has repeatedly characterized those requests as an attempt to correct mistakes, not to cover up the truth of her birth year. David Schmidtke, a reference librarian, told The Post the biographical information on its website is sometimes self-reported by legislators, their staff and family members. Immigration experts said it is not unusual for refugees, particularly from some African countries, to have issues providing accurate birth records. In Somalia, where Omar was born, only 6 percent of births were registered with the government, according to a 2020 Somali government report produced in collaboration with the United Nations. David Nakamura, Alexei Koseff and Razzan Nakhlawi contributed to this report. Related Content This article originally appeared on Washington Post at https://washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/10/13/rep-omar-investigation-focuses-birthdate-citizenship-papers-people-familiar-say/

Attacking heritage is prejudice, not politics

SIR KEIR STARMER did not want to stick around in the Commons after being removed from Downing Street. It was the shared achievement of his national and local successors that Labour did not slip up in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection to replace him. Andy Burnhams confident start as prime minister put voters in a mood to give his government a chance, not a warning shot. Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali localised the hopeful message , having risen to council leader in three decades, after arriving as a young child refugee born 4,000 miles from St Pancras. The frontrunner being foisted on the people of Holborn by Labour to replace Keir Starmer was born in Somalia. Do you understand whats happening? Reforms Zia Yusuf tweeted. The partys home affairs spokesman struggled to explain why attacking a candidates birthplace was politics, not prejudice. His ugly attack did not hinder Labour electorally, but motivated members to campaign on how to send Reform a message in a by-election race mainly against the Greens. Party leader Zack Polanski stood, reflecting early Green optimism about a famous upset. The post-election aftershocks were less about being runner-up than the deep rift between Green MPs and activists after a split party conference narrowly passed a motion declaring Zionism is racism, while the party leader skipped that debate to campaign in London. This is Camden and this is London, Abdi-Wali declared in her warm acceptance speech. Constituency polling by Persuasion UK suggested she was as much of a campaign asset as the prime minister. Was her victory just a snapshot of north Londons liberalism in polarised times? Abdi-Wale is the first British MP of Somali origin. But she is also the 91st ethnic minority MP in this parliament, there were just four when she first came to London, and joins 25 colleagues of Muslim faith in the Commons. Kemi Badenochs defeat of Robert Jenrick in the 2024 Conservative Party leadership contest did most to prove how the new norm of ethnic diversity in public life stretches across the party spectrum. Yet, two years on, Badenochs conference speech pushed back punchily against ethnonationalist identity politics on the right. She challenged those who see British or English identity as racially exclusive. Badenoch identifies as British, not English, herself, but was rejecting Suella Bravermans insistence that nobody, neither herself nor Rishi Sunak, should ever call themselves English without multiple generations of ancestry. Badenochs emphatic statement that we are not uniting with that angered Reform. They think this may rebound badly, like Hillary Clintons speech about US president Donald Trumps deplorable voters. But early research found this challenge did resonate strongly with public audiences, reflecting broad concern at a resurgence of racism. Badenochs attack may even have been a little unfair on Reform leader Nigel Farage. He does not support Bravermans rules that exclude almost all ethnic minorities from English identity. Farage realises it is politically bonkers to be questioning if Englands black footballers really count. Nor would he doubt that Badenoch is British, though the young ethnonationalist staff for Rupert Lowes Restore Britain do. Campaign director Charlie Downes mocks both Badenoch and Farage as deluded for believing that ethnic and faith minorities can ever be equally British. Yet Badenoch gave Lowe a Tory spot on a key Commons committee: a tactical alliance to amplify his spoiler impact on Reform. Restore refuses to set any boundaries at all for overt racists. Active Restore members could even share Britain Firsts online petition to deport Badenoch over her speech, confident their party will take no action. For two decades, Farage has projected his Asian and black colleagues to show how he is different from the BNP. I have always found complaints about some British Asians being right-wing a bit patronising: there Cricket on the Mall ahead of Earthshot event are bound to be people with left-wing, centrist and right-wing views. What crosses the line is when minority politicians use their own characteristics to make racially exclusionary arguments that white British colleagues would avoid as prejudiced. That seems to be becoming a Reform pattern. I doubt Richard Tice MP would make Yusufs attack on Abdi-Wali's heritage, nor Bravermans rejection of Sunaks English identity. Now Raheem Kassam, a close associate of Farage for years, promotes online attacks on Badenoch as a Nigerian scammer, declaring that a woke anchor baby can never be prime minister. Kassam has no official party role, but Reforms London mayoral candidate, Laila Cunningham, used his content to accuse Badenoch of being in politics to promote Nigerias interests, not Britains. Reform is moving further right at pace. Farage began this week pledging to abolish asylum entirely. Lowe bid higher, arguing the priority must be to deport millions of legal migrants too. Reforms Jenrick proposed the Royal Marines use lethal force to stop Channel boats. Badenochs challenge to Reform primarily reflected Restores hardcore ethnonationalism, but it may become ever harder to spot the difference.

Can Imran Khan Be Deported For Taking Part In Protest?

The controversy surrounding actor Imran Khan's participation in a Mumbai protest, and BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's demand for his deportation, raises critical questions about the legal rights of Overseas Citizen of India cardholders to engage in political dissent and the grounds for their expulsion from India.

DOJ subpoenas Rep. Ilhan Omar's relatives in immigration probe

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn. (AP) The Justice Department, in an apparent escalation of a long-running investigation involving the immigration history of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., has issued subpoenas to members of her family, The New York Times reported Tuesday, as the congresswoman accuses the Trump administration of political retribution for her outspoken criticism of the president. The subpoenas mark a new development in a probe that has drawn scrutiny after federal agents searched Omar's Washington-area home Monday, an action she condemned as an attempt to intimidate political opponents and weaponize federal law enforcement. For ten years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns, Omar wrote on social media Monday. This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation. I will not be silenced. Federal authorities have not publicly laid out the full scope of the investigation or disclosed what evidence investigators are seeking through the subpoenas. The search Monday was conducted by agents with Homeland Security Investigations under a court-authorized warrant, the Justice Department confirmed, but officials offered few details about the criminal investigation. The inquiry follows months of public comments by Trump administration officials about allegations involving Omar's immigration history. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said last month that an ongoing investigation was examining, in part, whether Omar had lied on immigration forms, adding that something's going to happen, according to The Associated Press. Omar, who was born in Somalia and became a naturalized U.S. citizen, has repeatedly rejected allegations concerning her immigration history. President Donald Trump has frequently criticized Omar, particularly over her immigration views and opposition to his policies. Trump said Monday he had nothing to do with the search, while also calling Omar totally crooked, personally, according to the AP. The timing of the search has intensified questions about whether the investigation is politically motivated, coming just weeks before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and other top Democrats condemned the search, accusing the administration of targeting Omar and raising concerns about the use of federal law enforcement against a political opponent. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, described the action as political harassment and argued that the timing conflicted with longstanding Justice Department practices concerning politically sensitive investigations before elections. Justice Department guidance has traditionally cautioned against overt investigative steps intended to influence an election, although the existence of a search warrant does not itself establish that an investigation is politically motivated. Vice President JD Vance has previously accused Omar of immigration fraud, according to news reports, while the administration has maintained that federal authorities are pursuing an ongoing criminal investigation. Grand jury subpoenas are used to obtain testimony or documents during investigations and do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing by the people who receive them. The Justice Department has not publicly announced any criminal charges against Omar in connection with the investigation. 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.This article originally appeared on Newsmax at https://www.newsmax.com/politics/DOJ-Subpoenas-Omar-Relatives-in-Escalation-of-Long-Running-Probe/2026/10/13/id/1272674

Saiyami Kher on wanting to share screen space with Waheeda Rehman: I draw immense inspiration from her

As Saiyami Kher completes a decade in the film industry, the actor is looking back at a journey shaped by unconventional choices, personal growth and a willingness to define success on her own terms. Since making her debut with Mirzya in 2016, Saiyami has continued to explore different opportunities while also establishing herself in endurance sports. She became the first Indian female actor to compete in the Ironman 70.3 triathlon and has completed the event three times. In an exclusive conversation with Filmfare, Saiyami reflected on her experience in the film industry, the people who have inspired her, the projects she hopes to pursue and her plans to take on more endurance challenges. For Saiyami, the journey of Mirzya remains meaningful despite its box office performance. Looking back at the film and the decade that followed, she explained that the outcome of a project is not always within an actors control. In the film industry, however hard you work, the result is not really in your hands. On a film set, too, the quest is always to be better than you were in your last film. The whole journey is about constantly trying to improve. While people only remember Mirzya for not working at the box office, for me, it has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I feel that is success. Look at my equation with Rakeysh sir and Gulzar Sahab. Ten years later, I can say that Gulzar Sahab and I have found friendship. So, for me, all of this is a success. Her approach to her career also reflects the importance she places on individuality. Recalling her modelling days, Saiyami spoke about the pressure to conform to particular beauty standards, including expectations around body type, hair and facial features. She believes that being secure in herself helped her navigate those expectations. Back when I was modelling, you were supposed to have a certain figure, straight hair and big lips. There was a certain conformity that everyone expected. I feel that, because of the way I was brought up, I was secure in who I was. Even today, when I see a young woman aged 18 to 20 entering the industry, I feel the same kind of advice is being given by managers and agents. There has been a shift, however, although it has been small and gradual. When it comes to actors who have inspired her, Saiyami named Amitabh Bachchan and Waheeda Rehman among the personalities she admires. She expressed a desire to share screen space with Bachchan and spoke about drawing inspiration from Waheeda Rehmans ability to remain true to herself. She also highlighted her friendship with Gulzar Sahab, which has developed over the last decade. One would be Mr Amitabh Bachchan. Another would be Waheeda Rehman, for being so true to herself and continuing to be that person even today, at 86. I have been a massive fan of Waheeda ji, and I draw immense inspiration from her. The third is Gulzar Sahab, who isn't an actor, but, as I said, I have developed a friendship with him over the last 10 years. I feel he is one of the most incredible human beings. While Saiyami has explored different kinds of roles, she now hopes to step outside her comfort zone and take on a romantic comedy or a comedy film. She also has a list of filmmakers with whom she would like to collaborate, including Imtiaz Ali and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Among the newer filmmakers, she mentioned Sudip Sharma, known for writing Paatal Lok and Kohrra, as well as Abhishek Chaubey. On the work front, Saiyami has Pal Bhar Ke Liye, which she hopes will release soon. She is also hoping to begin work on a Marathi film by the end of the year. Additionally, she is currently shooting for an international project that has not yet been officially announced. Saiyami also shared her thoughts on Ramayana, which brings together director Nitesh Tiwari, actor Ranbir Kapoor and composers Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman. Calling it a major cinematic undertaking, she said, It is supposed to be the biggest film India has ever seen. She also expressed her admiration for Ranbir Kapoor and said she was looking forward to watching recent theatrical releases, including a film by filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj. Beyond cinema, endurance sports remain an important part of Saiyamis life. Although she had planned to participate in the full Ironman this year, her shooting schedule did not leave her with enough time to recover, leading her to compete in the half-distance event again. She now has several races lined up, including a full marathon in Calcutta, a half marathon in Mumbai in January and the Tata Ultra Marathon in February. She hopes to attempt a full Ironman around September. Saiyami also spoke about meeting Milind Soman during a race in Italy. Reflecting on his long-standing commitment to fitness, she said, At a time when influencers are showcasing their fitness and posting about it on social media, Milind is someone who has been doing this for 35 years without needing an audience. I do wish that, when I'm 50, I can be as fit as he is. As she enters her second decade in cinema, Saiyamis aspirations extend across genres, languages and international projects. Her journey so far has also reinforced her belief that professional success is not defined solely by box office results, but by the experiences, relationships and personal goals that continue to shape her. Also Read : Saiyami Kher calls Vikram Phadnis Pal Bhar Ke Liye her most emotional journey since Ghoomer: There is a beautiful simplicity to this story, yet every scene carries so much emotional weight

Centre sanctions Rs 9,000 cr for Karnataka

Bengaluru: The Centre has sanctioned Rs 9,000 crore for the continued development of the Konkan Railway and other railway projects in Karnataka, Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V Somanna said. The allocation is expected to support infrastructure development and improve connectivity between the coastal and Malnad regions of the state. Approx Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Elon Musk's megaphone propels conspiracy theory about James Talarico

Elon Musk elevated a false conspiracy theory about Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico over the weekend, lifting a fringe claim concerning the Texan's mental health to the forefront of users' X feeds, where it garnered hundreds of thousands of impressions. The Talarico campaign is hiding something big that voters ought to know about, Musk wrote Sunday afternoon, replying to a post alleging that Talarico had been checked into the Lindner Center of Hope, a mental health facility in suburban Cincinnati. Musk's reply amassed over 870,000 views, more than double the impression count of the post to which he was responding. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. The theory had been circulating online for days, fueled by Talarico's absence from the campaign trail, which his team has consistently said was due to the flu. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton promoted a Tala-Freak-Out Tip Line on Friday, which was still active as of Monday night. President Donald Trump weighed in, arguing the Democrat's convalescence was too long to be the flu bug. Musk's engagement with the theory gave it a much wider audience - and the flurry of attention ultimately prompted the treatment center in Mason, Ohio, to publicly refute the allegations. Rep. James Talarico has never received treatment from Lindner Center of Hope, the facility wrote in a statement posted to X, five hours after Musk's initial posts on the subject. Talarico replied to the post Monday, saying he had never even been to Ohio, with a laughing emoji. A day earlier, he described the conspiracy theory as the craziest thing I've ever heard in an interview with MS NOW. Talarico's spokesperson, JT Ennis, said the claims were a lie designed to promote a pathetic conspiracy theory. The episode demonstrates a key way that Musk is wielding political power in the midterms. He has retreated from the political spotlight after his public feud with Trump in 2025. He has taken a lower-profile approach to political spending this election cycle. He has used his formidable war chest to quietly back efforts to elect Republicans to office. The New York Times reported on Monday his midterm spending has swelled to at least $276 million since the beginning of July, making him the Republicans' top individual donor. But on X, the social media platform he bought in 2022 and later folded into SpaceX, Musk continues to be outspoken about candidates and political issues - and his enormous audience acts as an influence machine, propelling a fringe claim into the political conversation with a single post. You have someone who is in bed with the political party, or an agenda, and is spreading falsehoods about an opponent who is gaining a tremendous amount of traction, said Danielle Citron, a University of Virginia law professor who has spent more than a decade researching and writing about online abuse and has advised campaigns on the subject. It is like a thumb on the scale that we haven't really ever seen. Talarico's campaign, the Lindner Center of Hope, and Musk did not respond to requests for comment. The theory surrounding Talarico originated in far-right circles, spreading further when right-wing influencer Nick Sortor posted an audio clip. The clip, which he claimed was a clinic employee stating that Talarico had recently been discharged, received 7.3 million views according to X. Sortor called for the Texas Democrat to quit the race. Talarico's campaign said the candidate had been recovering from the flu, leading to a nine-day absence from the campaign trail. He appeared at an Austin music festival on Friday, even though the call that Sortor posted was recorded on Saturday night, according to phone logs posted by the caller. The conspiracy theories drove mentions of Talarico among key right-wing figures - including politicians and influencers - to their highest rate on record, a Washington Post analysis found. Until last week, Musk had posted relatively infrequently on Talarico - just twice in the past year. Since Wednesday, however, Musk has posted about Talarico at least a dozen times. One of Musk's posts Sunday, a repost to his more than 240 million followers, put the onus on Talarico to clear the record: If this was not true, Talarico's campaign would immediately authorize the release of the records to clear him. While Sortor's audio clip led discussion to peak between 1 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Musk weighed in as the matter was driving a significant level of conversation in right-wing circles - and it continued to hold traction for about eight hours afterward. Jared Holt, a senior researcher at Open Measures, a platform that measures the spread of online extremism and disinformation, said Musk's elevation helped claims like Sortor's proliferate. His engagement with posts promoting the claims did boost them to wider audiences than they may have reached otherwise and likely served to legitimize them in the eyes of ideologically aligned users, Holt said in an email. This kind of public attention can prove dangerous for ordinary figures suddenly lifted to the center of public fascination, he added. The ecosystem where these claims spread has regularly elicited threats to schools, medical facilities, election offices, courts, and private businesses, Holt said. Since buying the site formerly known as Twitter in 2022, Musk has regularly injected high-profile misinformation into users' feeds. Late last year, Musk elevated allegations that members of the Somali-American community were involved in widespread fraud. Some rogue X users followed the posts from participants in the fraud claims to real life locations. Musk has also spread baseless theories about a volunteer in a Thai cave rescue, California wildfires and other topics. In 2022, shortly after acquiring Twitter, Musk elevated a conspiracy theory about Paul Pelosi, the husband of former Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was badly injured in an attack at the family's San Francisco home after a hammer-wielding intruder broke in and struck him in the head repeatedly. The rapid spread of online theories can place political campaigns in a tricky situation. Zac Petkanas was Hillary Clinton's rapid response director during 2016 campaign, when online conspiracy theories alleged Clinton was secretly seriously ill and had to employ a body double to replace her on the campaign trail. The way that it mattered [to Clinton's campaign] was not that people believed Pizzagate or other conspiracy theories; it's that it contributed to a narrative that she was potentially untrustworthy, Petkanas said. It was sort of a death by 1,000 paper cuts, and that was partly because people were really having to judge information coming off of the internet and realizing the scale at which misinformation could be weaponized. It's 10 years later. People are much more inured to that. Citron, the University of Virginia law professor, said actors take advantage of the short windows between campaigns and elections to spread falsehoods because they are unlikely to face consequences. If a claim is defamatory, for example, she said, the matter can take too long to resolve in the courts to have an impact on the race. Given we're within 30 days of an election, I think your lawsuit is not doing anything for you, she said. They know they're in that chokepoint where you can tip an election. It's timed just right. - - - Graphics: Right-wing attention on Talarico spiked on Sunday Related Content This article originally appeared on Washington Post at https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/elon-musk-megaphone-propels-conspiracy-121709511.html

SIR Row: MoS Somanna accuses Congress of defending illegal voters

Union minister V Somanna has accused the Congress of opposing the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls because it does not want allegedly ineligible voters removed, as the political fight over the exercise intensifies. The Congress says the revision risks disenfranchising genuine voters, while BJP and JD(S) leaders have defended it as necessary for electoral integrity and criticised the Oppositions campaign against it.

Kirit Somaiya seeks LOC against actor Imran Khan over Mumbai protest case

In a letter dated October 13 to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Somaiya urged the ministry to issue directions restricting Khans overseas travel under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to meet Naidu today: Krishna water for Chennai on agenda

Under the 1983 Telugu Ganga agreement 15 TMC is to be delivered annually at the Tamil Nadu border; low storage in Srisailam, Somasila and Kandaleru makes a partial release the likely compromise, sources say

Kirit Somaiya seeks look out circular against Imran Khan, urges MHA to stop him from leaving India

BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya has written to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities, seeking the issuance of a Look Out Circular (LOC) against actor Imran Khan and requesting that...

Imran Khan should be deported: BJP's Kirit Somaiya seeks action after Mumbai protest

Imran Khan should be deported: BJP's Kirit Somaiya seeks action after Mumbai protest

Trump attacks immigrants from Somalia and Haiti while rallying in Ohio for Republican candidates

If you want to stop Ohio from being plundered, ransacked and destroyed like Minnesota is being destroyed, we're going to stop it, says U.S. President Donald Trump

Kirit Somaiya seeks Imran Khan's deportation, files complaint with Mumbai FRRO

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya demands that actor be deported

'Back To Somalia': Trump Unloads At Ilhan Omar; Brings Up Minnesota Marriage Fraud

Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar and Minnesotas Somali community during a rally in Tennessee, just as the Democratic congresswoman faces intense scrutiny following a federal search of her Washington-area home.Trump singled out Omar by name, saying: She comes from Somalia. He went on to describe Somalia as a country without functioning government or police and claimed all they have is crime and squalor. Trump then mocked Omar for invoking the U.S. Constitution, saying: She comes into our country and she says, my Constitution allows me shes talking about our Constitution.

Gamdevi cops send Somaiyas plea against actor to FRRO

Married My Brother?: Ilhan Omar On Back Foot Amid Raid On DC Home & Trumps Stinky Somali Dig

Rep. Ilhan Omar is facing renewed scrutiny after federal agents searched her Washington-area home as part of an ongoing criminal investigation, reviving years-old allegations over her immigration history and past marriage.The Justice Department confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant at Omars home. DOJ has not publicly disclosed the precise evidence behind the warrant.

Ilhan Omar to Be Arrested? Trumps Agents Raid Democrats Home as Midterm Battle Explodes

A predawn federal raid on Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omars Washington-area home has ignited a political firestorm, putting President Donald Trumps bitter feud with one of his fiercest critics back in the spotlight. According to Fox News Digital, the operation followed a criminal fraud investigation involving immigration paperwork reportedly completed by Omars late father when she was a child. The Department of Justice confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorised search warrant as part of an ongoing federal investigation. However, authorities have not publicly disclosed further details, and no conclusion of wrongdoing can be drawn from the raid alone. The development comes after Trump repeatedly attacked Omar, accused her of fraud and said she should be thrown out of the country. He has also made inflammatory remarks about the Somali community, fuelling accusations of anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Railway MoS V. Somanna reviews works in Shivamogga, says contractor of new railway line will be blacklisted

'What they've done to Minnesota': Trump goes after Ilhan Omar, Somali gangs over migration fraud

'What they've done to Minnesota': Trump goes after Ilhan Omar, Somali gangs over migration fraud

India, UK explore cooperation in space, civil nuclear energy and emerging technologies

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday held bilateral talks with UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds to explore avenues for strengthening cooperation in space, civil nuclear energy, scientific research and emerging technologies. According to the Ministry of Science & Technology, the Indian delegation -- led by the minister -- comprised Prof. Umesh Waghmare, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Dr. Praveenkumar Somasundaram, Adviser and Head, International Bilateral Cooperation, DST. On the other side, the UK delegation comprised Reynolds, British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron and Interim Permanent Secretary of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Amanda Brooks, according to the ministry. The minister said that India's space-sector reforms had opened new opportunities for private industry and startups, enabling research institutions to focus on advanced research. Building on this experience, India and the UK can expand cooperation through research partnerships and greater industry participation, he added. Moreover, discussions covered collaboration in space science, satellite development and stronger engagement between scientific institutions and technology enterprises. With around 800 space-tech startups in India, Singh proposed greater connectivity between Indian and British startups to facilitate innovation and expand commercial opportunities, according to the ministry. On civil nuclear energy, Singh spoke about India's nuclear-sector reforms including SHANTI Act, 2025. Drawing on experience of opening up space sector, India is creating avenues for wider participation in nuclear energy, he said. In addition, the two sides explored opportunities for cooperation in small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced nuclear technologies and associated industrial capabilities amid growing energy and data-centre demand. The minister spoke about wider applications of India's nuclear programme beyond electricity, particularly in nuclear medicine and healthcare, offering scope for engagement with British expertise in life sciences. Notably, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems and cybersecurity also featured in discussions. However, Reynolds welcomed closer engagement and emphasised scope for regular interaction between institutions and commercial cooperation.

Actor Imran Khan is an American citizen, alleges former BJP MP

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Imran Khan has landed in a fresh controversy after former Lok Sabha MP Kirit Somaiya alleged that the actor holds an American passport and questioned his participation in a political protest in Mumbai. Somaiya has approached the police and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), seeking action over the actors participation in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Mother's 3-day walk with sick child highlights Somalia's child malnutrition emergency

A Somali mother walked for three days carrying her severely malnourished 3-year-old daughter nearly 90 kilometers to a hospital in Kismayo

Kirit Somaiya to approach Mumbai police over Imran Khan's alleged OCI violations

Somaiya said he had written to and spoken with Gamdevi Police Station about the FIR against the actor. He announced that he would visit the police station at 12.30 pm on Monday

Kirit Somaiya to file complaint over actor Imran Khan

The News Mill

V. Somanna to hold meeting on railway projects in Shivamogga

Mumbai protest: Kirit Somaiya seeks probe into actor Imran Khans citizenship

Somaiya said the actor should be deported, while seeking clarity on whether he had obtained the necessary permission to participate in the protest organised in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)

BJPs Kirit Somaiya questions actor Imran Khans citizenship

'Where is Ilhan Omar?': Ex-Minnesota trooper turns up heat as Somali violence erupts | Midterms 2026

'Where is Ilhan Omar?': Ex-Minnesota trooper turns up heat as Somali violence erupts | Midterms 2026

'Can foreign citizens do such illegal things?': Kirit Somaiya seeks probe into Imran Khans protest participation

'Answer the question!': Senators torch Soros-funded witness at fiery Minnesota Somali fraud hearing

Decision on Prajwal Revannas transfer to Hindalga jail likely today; lawyers may challenge move in court

Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 10 (IANS) A decision on shifting former JD(S) MP, Prajwal Revanna, who is serving a life sentence in a rape case, from Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru to Hindalga Jail in Belagavi, is likely to be taken on Saturday, following the recovery of a mobile phone and a pen drive from his cell. Director General of Police (DGP) of the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services, Alok Kumar, has ordered the transfer of Prajwal Revanna, who is the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and nephew of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, following the controversy over the recovery of the prohibited electronic devices. However, the shifting is understood to have been deferred temporarily, with the department yet to finalise arrangements for the transfer. Police said that the absence of a senior police officer to monitor the movement of the high-profile convict, following the recent arrest of the Belagavi Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG), is among the reasons for the delay. The transfer may be taken up once another officer is assigned responsibility for overseeing the process. It can be noted that Belagavi Rane DIG Somashekar was arrested on charges of allegedly misusing convict's wife and releasing him after creating fake Supreme Court order. Another consideration is that Revanna is produced before the court three times a week. His transfer to Belagavi could affect the arrangements for his court appearances. Meanwhile, his counsels are reportedly preparing to approach the court challenging the proposed transfer, citing alleged violations of prison rules and other procedural issues. The proposed transfer follows the recovery of a mobile phone and a pen drive from the cell occupied by Revanna at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. The discovery triggered a major controversy over security lapses at the Bengaluru prison and prompted the prison department to order an investigation. On August 11, 2026, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) conducted a raid at the prison under the leadership of Deputy Commissioners of Police Haribabu and Imam Qasim. During the operation, a mobile phone was reportedly recovered from Revanna's cell, along with a charger, a blue notebook and a pen drive. The mobile phone reportedly contained applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, which were password-protected. A forensic examination by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reportedly detected several obscene video files on the device. A photograph purportedly showing Revanna speaking on a mobile phone inside the prison also surfaced, intensifying questions over the security arrangements at the facility. Following the recovery, DGP Alok Kumar ordered an investigation led by DIG Jinendra Khanagavi to determine how the prohibited items had entered the prison and whether any officials had been negligent in preventing their entry. An official email has reportedly been sent to Hindalga Jail authorities regarding Revanna's proposed transfer. The chief superintendent has also been informed, and arrangements are expected to be made for his relocation under police escort once the final decision is taken.

Union minister V Somanna criticises CM DK Shivakumar, urges focus on drought and governance

The News Mill

The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra - Official Trailer

Watch the Official Trailer from Bengali movie 'The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra' starring Anirban Chakrabarti, Suhotra Mukhopadhyay, Somak Ghosh, Ritwick Chakraborty and Raima Sen. 'The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra' movie is directed by Joydeep Mukherjee. To know more about 'The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra' trailer watch the video. Check out the latest Bengali trailers, new movie trailers, trending Bengali movie trailers, and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.

Kumaraswamy seeks halt to NICE toll collection, cites Rs 4,756 crore revenue

Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 7 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Wednesday alleged that NICE had collected Rs 4,756.48 crore in toll revenue since 2008 despite the project remaining incomplete and demanded that toll collection be stopped immediately. Therefore, I demand that toll collection be stopped immediately. The State government should also take urgent action in this regard. I also appeal to the public not to pay tolls under any circumstances, Kumaraswamy said. NICE (Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise) project is a long-running controversy in Karnataka involving the development and land acquisition for the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC). The project was conceived as an expressway and peripheral road network connecting Bengaluru and Mysuru, along with townships and related infrastructure. The main controversy concerns land acquisition, alleged excess acquisition, compensation and the use of land acquired for purposes allegedly beyond those originally approved. Addressing a press conference at the JD(S) headquarters, JP Bhavan, Kumaraswamy argued that despite the High Court making strong observations against toll collection, and the Supreme Court not issuing any stay on the matter, the continued collection of toll was illegal. The original project cost of the NICE road was Rs 1,583.76 crore. However, the company has so far collected Rs 4,756.48 crore in toll revenue. He alleged that toll collection was being carried out in violation of the terms governing the NICE project. He referred to the Karnataka High Court's observations on the project and said the Supreme Court had not stayed the High Court judgment. According to figures cited by him, annual toll collections stood at Rs 5.59 crore in 2008-09 and had risen to Rs 734.97 crore in 2024-25. He alleged that a total of Rs 4,756.48 crore had been collected between 2008 and 2025. 'How many more years will toll collection continue?' Kumaraswamy strongly objected to suggestions that toll collection could continue for another decade. How many more years will this alleged collection continue? They say there are still another 10 years of toll collection. On what basis? This cannot continue, he said. He reiterated his demand that toll collection on the NICE road be stopped immediately and that the State government take appropriate action in light of the court proceedings and the terms of the original agreements. Kumaraswamy said the issue had been pursued by the JD(S) and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda for nearly two decades and claimed that the matter was now reaching a decisive stage. Kumaraswamy said a Toll Concession Agreement (TCA) was signed on September 4, 2000, between the State Public Works Department and NICE. He said the agreement required the project to be implemented in accordance with the original Framework Agreement (FWA) dated April 3, 1997. In the event of any conflict between the TCA and the terms of the FWA, the provisions of the Framework Agreement were to prevail, he said. According to Kumaraswamy, the agreement also envisaged construction of a four-lane concrete road, service roads and maintenance areas before toll collection could begin. He alleged that these conditions were not fully complied with and that toll collection nevertheless began in 2008. NICE has been collecting toll despite not completing the project and has also acquired land belonging to farmers. The company cannot continue collecting toll without complying with the conditions of the original agreements, he said. Kumaraswamy also raised allegations concerning lake areas within the project. Referring to the H.T. Somashekar Reddy case, he said NICE had sought 6,999 acres before the Supreme Court, including 2,193 acres for the Peripheral Road. He said the land cited at the time comprised various categories of agricultural and government land and did not include lake areas. He further said engineer Kapil Sharma had, in 2021, used the Dishaank application to identify instances where roads had allegedly been constructed over lake areas and had submitted a complaint. Kumaraswamy said documents relating to the alleged encroachment of lakes were also released at the press conference. Kumaraswamy alleged that the project alignment was altered through the Outline Development Plan (ODP) on February 12, 2004, without obtaining the required Cabinet approval. He alleged that the changes resulted in an expansion of the land allocated to different components of the project. According to the documents cited by him, the land earmarked for the Peripheral Road was increased from 2,193 acres to 2,747 acres, while the land for the toll road was increased from 6,999 acres to 9,468 acres. Kumaraswamy alleged that these changes were made unilaterally and without Cabinet approval. He also referred to the Karnataka High Court's judgment of July 29, which, according to him, held that altering the original agreement through the ODP amounted to a fraud on statute and the Constitution and also criticised State authorities for their role in the matter. Kumaraswamy said NICE had approached the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition challenging the High Court judgment. He said the Supreme Court had not granted a stay on the High Court judgment and had adjourned the matter for further hearing to November 2. He added that 25 lawyers, including those representing the State government, had appeared before the court in connection with the matter. Kumaraswamy argued that, in view of the High Court judgment and the absence of a stay from the Supreme Court, toll collection should be stopped immediately. He also pointed to a Cabinet decision taken during the S.M. Krishna government on November 4, 2002, under which toll collection was to be withdrawn if the four-lane concrete road was not completed within six years. Kumaraswamy alleged that NICE had generated revenue through avenues other than toll collection, in violation of the original Framework Agreement. He cited Rs 384 crore allegedly generated through land sales, Rs 108 crore received as advances towards joint development of land and construction projects, and Rs 338 crore from convention centres. He also referred to the recommendations of former Minister and Congress MLA T.B. Jayachandra, who chaired a House committee in 2016. According to Kumaraswamy, the committee had recommended taking over the NICE project and recovering excess land. Kumaraswamy questioned the change in Jayachandra's position, noting that while he had stated in August 2023 that the NICE road was not required, he subsequently wrote to the Chief Minister in May 2025 seeking completion of the project. This raises questions about what is happening behind the scenes, Kumaraswamy alleged.

Fenesta Open: Karthik upsets Kamboj; top seeds Manish Sureshkumar, Vaidehee Chaudhari in QF

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) Pranav Karthik, the 21-year-old from Tamil Nadu, caused a major upset on Wednesday at the 31st Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship, rallying from a set down to defeat No. 4 seed Udit Kamboj in the second round at the DLTA in New Delhi. Kamboj won the first set 6-1 and was neck-and-neck with his younger rival in the second set, which went to a tiebreak. Karthik won the tiebreak 7-3 and carried that momentum into the decider to win 1-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 in 2 hours and 31 minutes. To be honest, I was thinking I was going to lose for sure after the horrible first set, Karthik said after the win. I just kept serving well and maintaining my service games. And when it came to the tiebreak, it was 50-50. Then I just pulled it off with 3-4 good points. When I pulled off the tiebreak, I got more confidence and started going for my shots. The first game of the third set is always important because you have to keep pushing through and keep the momentum because you don't want to give him the breathing space. And thankfully, I got the break in the first game, and then I was able to run away with the match after that, he said. Meanwhile, the mens top seed Manish Sureshkumar had little trouble defeating Lakshit Sood 6-0, 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals. He was joined in the last eight by No. 6 seed Maan Kesharwani, No. 8 seed Rohan Mehra and Suraj Prabodh, who knocked out second seed Aditya Balsekar in the previous round on Tuesday. Sureshkumar and partner Nitin Sinha are also top seeds in the mens doubles draw and are scheduled to play their quarter-final match later in the evening. Also, the top five players in the womens singles draw booked their spots in the quarterfinals, with Vaidehee Chaudhari defeating 16-year-old Ahaan Ahaan 6-4, 6-1, while Shruti Ahlawat beat Parthsarthi Mundhe 6-2, 6-2. It was not easy or comfortable. I think the opponent was very good, Ahlawat said after the victory. I had to do everything to close the game, win the points. The score might look easy, but the match was good. I'm thinking point by point, match by match rather than thinking, I'll win the tournament. I would focus on my next round match and then see how it goes, he added. Third seed Akanksha Nitture also advanced, coming back after dropping the second set to defeat Yubrani Banerjee 6-1, 4-6, 6-1. I started well in the second set, Nitture said. I was hoping to finish it in two sets. She played well on the crucial points. But I had to reset for the third set. I knew that I needed to change a few things that I did wrong in the second set. I changed it in the third set, and it worked for me. I started keeping more balls in and started playing more consistently and mindfully. There was also a big upset in the Boys' U-18 singles draw as top seed Praneel Sharma was bundled out 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 by Veer Jiten Madam. Fourth seed Om Ramesh Patel and fifth seed Aditya Mor won their third-round matches in straight sets to join Madam in the quarterfinals. In the Girls' U-18 event, top seed Savitha Bhuvaneswaran was stretched to the limit by 14th seed Aahida Singh. The two battled for 2 hours and 45 minutes before Singh was forced to retire, with Bhuvaneswaran leading 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 3-0. Bhuvaneswaran was joined by second seed Parthsarthi Mundhe and third seed Shreeniti Chowdhury in the quarterfinals. Results: Mens Singles Second Round (Round of 16): Manish Sureshkumar [1] def. Lakshit Sood 6-0, 6-1 Pranav Karthik def. Udit Kamboj [4] 1-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 Maan Kesharwani [6] def. Rohith Gobinath 6-1, 6-2 Rohan Mehra [8] def. Ajay Malik 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 Suraj R Prabodh def. Debasis Sahoo 6-4, 6-4 R Jaisinghani def. Prakaash Sarran 6-5, 7-6 (9-7) Parth Aggarwal def. Deep Munim 7-5, 6-2 Womens Singles Second Round (Round of 16): Vaidehee Chaudhari [1] def. Aahan Aahan 6-4, 6-1 Shruti Ahlawat [2] def. P Mundhe 6-1, 6-3 Akanksha Nitture [3] def. Yubrani Banerjee 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 Sonal Patil [4] def. Akansha Ghosh 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4 Aditi Rawat [5] def. A Sonkusare 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 Laxmi Siri Dandu [7] def. Bela S Tamhankar 6-0 (retd.) Sohini Mohanty [8] def. A Jadhav 6-3, 6-2 Soha Sadiq def. Saily Thakkar 6-1, 6-0 Mens Doubles Quarterfinal: Aditya Balsekar [3] / Pranav Karthik [3] def. Sandesh D Kurale / Prasad Ingale 6-1, 6-4 Jagmeet Singh [4] / Parth Aggarwal [4] def. Nain / Choudhary 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) Rohith Gobinath / Srikar Doni def. Karan Singh/ Aryan Chauhan 6-3, 7-5 Boys U-18 Singles Third Round (Round of 16): Veer Jiten Madam def. Praneel Sharma [1] 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 Om Ramesh Patel [4] def. Sharan Somasi [11] 6-3, 6-1 Aditya Mor [5] def. Lakshya Chukka [16] 6-2, 7-5 Yashwin Dahiya [15] def. Parjanya Adury [7] 6-4, 6-2 Ribhav Saroha [10] def. N Kirbakaran 6-0, 6-3 Raghav Sarode [12] def. Srivaant Mummadi 6-3, 6-3 N Badrinarayanan def. Aarav Bharat 6-4, 6-0 Srikar Doni def. Govardan Suresh 6-1, 6-3 Girls U-18 Singles Third Round (Round of 16): S Bhuvaneswaran [1] def. Aahida Singh [14] 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 3-0 (retd.) Parthsarthi Mundhe [2] def. Manvi Gupta 6-0, 6-0 Shreeniti Chowdhury [3] def. Aaradhya Meena [9] 6-3, 0-6, 6-4 Aahan Aahan [7] def. Aashi Kashyap [12] 6-3, 6-1 Anjhalle Meka def. Shibani Gupte [10] 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 Harsha Oruganti def. Ranjhana Sangram [13] 6-3, 6-2 Riddhi Shinde def. Heera V [16] 6-1, 6-2 Iha Joshi def. Miraya Agrawal 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) Boys U-18 Doubles Quarterfinal: Praneel Sharma / Aditya Mor [1] def. Sharan Somasi / Lakshya Chukka 6-4, 7-5 Girls U-18 Doubles Quarterfinal: Ranjhana Sangram / Sarena Gahlot def. Vaishnavi Singh / Aaradhya Meena [1] 7-5, 6-1 Shibani Gupte / Tanusshri Sathesh [2]def. Aashi Kashyap / Vrandika Rajput 4-6, 6-4, 10-6 Sanmitha Harini / S Bhuvaneswaran [3] def. Manvi Rathi / Paavani Bisht 6-1, 6-0 Sree Syleswari Velmanikandan / Riddhi Shinde [4] def. Heera V / Sree Sasthayini Velmanikandan 4-6, 6-4, 10-6

'Send her home to Somalia': Rep. Fine targets Ilhan Omar amid probe over immigration fraud claims

Koppal : Two Officials Arrested While Allegedly Accepting Rs 40,000 Bribe

The arrested accused have been identified as Somanath T, the administrative officer of Sangapur, and village assistant Hanumesh Bandi Anjaneya.

'I'm still waiting': Rep. Gill questions mass migration from Somalia, asks 'wheres the benefit?'

K'taka DIG held over life convict release by forging SC order

A Deputy Inspector General (Prisons) in Karnataka, M Somashekar, has been arrested for allegedly facilitating the release of a life convict in 2018 by forging a Supreme Court order. The convict's wife, also arrested, accused Somashekar of sexual exploitation. The case came to light after a complaint from the Bengaluru Central Prison Superintendent, revealing a complex conspiracy involving a prison assistant who forged the order.

Ktaka: Prison DIG held over fake SC order used to free convict

Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 5 (IANS) Parappana Agrahara police in Bengaluru have arrested Prison Department North Zone DIG Somashekar on charges of allegedly releasing a life-term prisoner from jail on the basis of a fake Supreme Court order, police said on Monday. Police are questioning Somashekar as part of the investigation into the alleged forgery and illegal release of the prisoner. The prisoner, identified as Shankar, was serving a life sentence in a murder case. According to the police, a fake document resembling a Supreme Court order was allegedly prepared in 2018 to facilitate his release from prison. Police have alleged that Srikanth, a Second Division Assistant (SDA), prepared the fake order. Shankar and Srikanth have also been arrested in connection with the case. At the time of the incident, Somashekar was serving as the Jail Superintendent of Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. Shankar, who had been convicted in the murder case, was released from the prison on November 13, 2018, allegedly based on the forged Supreme Court document. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the preparation and use of the fake order and the role of the accused in facilitating the prisoners release. Investigators are also looking into the possible involvement of the accused in other similar incidents and are examining whether any other prisoners may have been released using forged documents. Further questioning of Somashekar and the other accused is under way as police continue their investigation. It may be recalled that, according to data shared by then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former Home Minister G. Parameshwara, criminal cases were registered against 88 police personnel and officers in Karnataka for their alleged involvement in various criminal activities. Siddaramaiah had termed the involvement of police personnel in criminal cases as shameful and unpardonable. Parameshwara presented the official figures during a session of the state legislature, highlighting accountability within the force. Speaking at an annual conference of police officers, Siddaramaiah also expressed strong displeasure over criminal cases registered against members of the state police force. He referred to high-profile incidents, including an ATM cash van robbery in Bengaluru in which a head constable was allegedly identified as the kingpin. He also cited drug cases in Karnataka being cracked by police forces from other states instead of local law enforcement, which he had described as embarrassing. The state government had stated that it was examining stricter legal measures and seeking greater vigilance within the department to prevent such incidents.

Prisons DIG Arrested Over Assisting Convicted Prisoners Release Through Forged SC Order

Bengaluru police arrested Prisons DIG M. Somashekar for allegedly assisting a life convicts release using a forged Supreme Court order in 2018.

Karnataka: Probe widens after jail DIG held for prisoner release

Bengaluru: The investigation into the alleged use of a fake Supreme Court order to secure the release of a life convict has taken a significant turn with Parappana Agrahara police arresting Jail DIG Somashekar. The case dates back to 2018, when Shankar, a prisoner sentenced to life imprisonment in a murder case, was released from Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Karnataka DIG frees murder convict using fake SC papers, 'sexually exploits' his wife

Somashekhar, a deputy inspector general of Karnataka Prisons, was arrested for serious corruption allegations. The officer was involved in the illegal release of a murderer using forged Supreme Court documents. Additional accusations include sexually exploiting the convict's wife and granting unlawful paroles. He allegedly bypassed prison protocols to favor the convict, which violated established regulations. The investigation highlights extensive misconduct within the prison system during 2018.

Leaders from Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia Unite on Sovereignty and Water Rights

Leaders from Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia emphasize sovereignty and water rights in a joint declaration aimed at regional stability. Leaders from Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia Unite on Sovereignty and Water Rights

Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia issue declaration on Red Sea governance, state sovereignty, water rights

Digital Desk | Cairo, Oct 5 (IANS) The leaders of Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia have issued a joint declaration on state sovereignty, Red Sea governance, and water rights, stressing the necessity of adhering to international law as the foundation for regional stability and cooperation. In the El Alamein Joint Declaration issued following the quadrilateral consultative summit in Egypt's New Alamein on Sunday (local time), the leaders rejected interference in the internal affairs of the region's states under any pretext. The summit was attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council, reports Xinhua news agency. The leaders discussed regional and international developments and ways to strengthen political, economic, trade and cultural cooperation among the four countries, and addressed a number of regional issues. On Sudan, the leaders support the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions of the Republic of Sudan, rejecting the establishment of any parallel entities. They reject any recognition of or support for the so-called Somaliland and affirm that the governance of the Red Sea is the exclusive responsibility of the littoral states. The declaration also stressed the importance of respecting international law regarding transboundary rivers, including the Nile River, particularly the principle of o harm and the obligation to cooperate through prior notification, consultation, and consensus. They categorically reject any unilateral measures that harm the existing water uses of the two downstream Nile states. The summit came amid growing Egyptian efforts to strengthen coordination with countries in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region over regional security and stability.

Milind Soman Flags Off Fit Gurugram Marathon, Inspires Run for Better Health

From 3 km to 21 km, runners of all ages hit the streets to champion fitness and preventive healthcare at the Fit Gurugram Marathon, an initiative by Fortis Healthcare. With fitness icon Milind Soman flagging off the event, the marathon brought together thousands in a collective push towards healthier lifestyles and greater awareness about wellness.

Ethiopia controls Tigray capital as regional rivals meet in Egypt

The presidents of Egypt, Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea all of whom have difficult relations with Ethiopia were set to meet in the Egyptian city of Alamein on Sunday to discuss the conflict.

RTC Driver, Conductor Attacked With Eggs, Stones in Gurazala

When conductor Somaiah got down from the bus to move the bikes, the group allegedly attacked him. The driver was also attacked, with the group throwing eggs and stones at the RTC staff.

America Doesnt Want You: Trump Slams Somali Immigrants, 'Ripping Off Americans'

Trump has repeatedly targeted Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born US lawmaker. He previously called for her expulsion from the United States and questioned her right to comment on American governance because of her birthplace.His latest remarks have reignited the debate over immigration, refugee admissions, political rhetoric and the treatment of Somali Americans.Watch the full report for Trump's remarks, his latest attack on Ilhan Omar and the growing political controversy surrounding US immigration policy.

UN allocates $160 million for humanitarian aid in 12 countries, regions

Digital Desk | United Nations, Oct 3 (IANS) The United Nations has released 160 million US dollars in emergency funding to support life-saving assistance in 12 countries and regions facing severe humanitarian needs, UN humanitarian officials said. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Friday (local time) said the Central Emergency Response Fund designated 150 million dollars of the allocation for Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Cuba, Mali, Niger, the occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen. An additional 10 million dollars was earmarked to address the urgent needs of people with disabilities across the 12 humanitarian emergencies and make aid more accessible and inclusive, OCHA said. The funding is part of a broader effort to reach 87 million people facing the most severe humanitarian needs this year, according to OCHA. Today's new funding will help us get aid to people who might otherwise be left behind, said UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, reports Xinhua news agency. But money alone won't get us there: leaders must exercise political will to open access, remove obstacles and help us reach people whose lives are on the line. Afghanistan, the occupied Palestinian territory, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen are also among 10 humanitarian emergencies where Fletcher has called for urgent diplomatic action to secure access and help reach 11 million of the 87 million people prioritised for assistance this year, OCHA said.

Swami Ramji: The Saint who Rekindled the Flame of Kashmir Shaivism

There are moments in the history of a civilisation when a tradition, though never completely extinguished, appears to recede into the shadows of time. Its texts survive in manuscripts, its wisdom remains preserved in the memories of a few teachers, and its spiritual practices continue quietly within a small circle. Then comes an individual who reconnects the broken threads, restores confidence in the tradition and transmits its knowledge to a new generation. In the modern history of Kashmir Shaivism, Swami Ramji Maharaj (18541915) occupies such a significant place. A saint, scholar, practitioner and teacher, he helped revive the living study and practice of the Trika tradition in nineteenth-century Kashmir and prepared the ground for its remarkable transmission into the twentieth century. His influence was not merely personal or devotional. It extended to the preservation, teaching and publication of the intellectual heritage of Kashmir Shaivism. Swami Ram was born in 1854 into a Kashmiri Pandit family in Srinagar. Accounts of his life describe an early inclination towards spiritual inquiry and the study of Shaiva scriptures. He came into the orbit of learned teachers who introduced him to the Agamas and the philosophical literature of Kashmir Shaivism. His spiritual formation eventually brought him into contact with Swami Manas Ram Mongra, popularly known as Maneh Kak, who became an important guru in his life and in the transmission of the Trika tradition. To understand Swami Rams importance, however, one must first appreciate the intellectual grandeur of the tradition he inherited. Kashmir Shaivism was not simply a sectarian religious doctrine. It represented one of Indias most sophisticated schools of non-dual philosophical thought. Its classical development is associated with masters such as Vasugupta, Somananda, Utpaladeva, Abhinavagupta and Kshemaraja. At its heart lies the recognition that ultimate reality is Shiva, an infinite, self-luminous consciousness, and that the universe is not fundamentally separate from that reality. The word Pratyabhijnarecognitionis central to this philosophical vision. The human being does not have to manufacture an entirely new reality; rather, one must recognise the deeper nature of consciousness that is already present. The world, in this understanding, is not merely an illusion to be rejected. It is an expression of the dynamic power, or Shakti, of the supreme consciousness. This philosophical inheritance had reached extraordinary heights in the works of Abhinavagupta and his successors. But the historical circumstances of Kashmir subsequently made the institutional continuity of many Shaiva traditions increasingly fragile. By the nineteenth century, the tradition needed not merely textual preservation but living teachers who could embody and transmit it. It was in this environment that Swami Ram emerged. His significance lay in bringing together scriptural learning, philosophical understanding and spiritual practice. He did not approach Kashmir Shaivism as an intellectual museum. The Agamas, the works of the great acharyas and the practices of the Trika system were, for him, a living path. Accounts of his life describe periods of intense meditation, study and spiritual discipline. His teaching attracted both serious seekers and householders. This is important because Kashmir Shaivism does not necessarily demand withdrawal from worldly responsibilities as the only route to spiritual realisation. Its philosophical framework allows the spiritual quest to unfold while recognising the realities of human life. Swami Ram eventually established his Trika Shaiva Ashram at Fateh Kadal in Srinagar, generally dated to the 1880s. The ashram became an important centre for the study and transmission of Shaiva philosophy in modern Kashmir. From this centre emerged a remarkable lineage of teachers and disciples. Among his important disciples were Swami Mahtab Kak, Swami Vidyadhar and Swami Govind Kaul Jalali. Swami Mahtab Kak would subsequently become the principal teacher of Swami Lakshmanjoo, one of the most important twentieth-century exponents of Kashmir Shaivism. Thus, the intellectual and spiritual influence of Swami Ram extended well beyond his own lifetime. The connection with Lakshmanjoo is particularly significant. Swami Lakshmanjoo was born in Srinagar in 1907. Accounts associated with his lineage describe Swami Ram as recognising the young Lakshmans spiritual inclination and entrusting his further education to Mahtab Kak. Whether viewed through the language of traditional guru-shishya transmission or through the history of ideas, the succession is remarkable: Swami Ram Mahtab Kak Swami Lakshmanjoo. Through Lakshmanjoo, the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism eventually reached audiences far beyond Kashmir. The revival initiated in the nineteenth century thus acquired a much wider intellectual and spiritual horizon in the twentieth century. Swami Rams contribution, however, went beyond the immediate guru-shishya relationship. One of the most consequential developments associated with the revival of Kashmir Shaivism was the systematic publication of its ancient texts. The Kashmir Series of Texts and Studies (KSTS), initiated under Maharaja Pratap Singh in the early twentieth century, became a landmark in making important Sanskrit works of Kashmirs philosophical heritage available in printed form. Sources associated with the tradition credit Swami Ram with encouraging Maharaja Pratap Singh to undertake such a publication effort. This was an extraordinary act of intellectual foresight. A philosophical tradition cannot remain alive indefinitely if its principal texts are inaccessible. Manuscripts can disappear, deteriorate or remain confined to a small number of custodians. Printing transformed the possibilities of transmission. The KSTS therefore became an important bridge between Kashmirs classical intellectual heritage and modern scholarship. Swami Ram understood that preservation required both realisation and documentation, both guru and grantha, both lived experience and accessible texts. That insight deserves particular attention today. The modern world often separates philosophy from spirituality. Academic institutions may study philosophical systems primarily as historical objects, while spiritual communities may sometimes emphasise experience without sufficient attention to textual rigour. The Kashmir Shaiva tradition historically brought these dimensions together. Swami Ram represented that synthesis in the modern period. He studied the philosophical works of the great masters and transmitted their ideas through oral teaching and spiritual discipline. Among the works associated with his teaching tradition were texts connected with Vasugupta, Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta, including the Stotravali, Shivastotravali, Tantraloka and Panchastavi. The deeper message of this tradition remains relevant. Kashmir Shaivism places consciousness at the centre of its philosophical inquiry. It asks the individual to look beyond fragmented perceptions of the self and recognise a deeper unity. In a world increasingly marked by anxiety, polarisation and material preoccupation, the philosophical proposition that consciousness is not merely an accidental phenomenon but central to our understanding of existence retains considerable contemporary interest. Yet Swami Ram should not be reduced to a philosophical slogan. His importance lies in the continuity he embodied. Kashmirs civilisation produced a remarkable succession of philosophers, mystics, poets and spiritual teachers. From Lalleshwari to Abhinavagupta, from Rupa Bhawani to Swami Ram and subsequently to Swami Lakshmanjoo, there is a fascinating history of intellectual and spiritual creativity. These figures belong to different historical circumstances and should not be artificially made identical. But together they demonstrate the remarkable resilience of Kashmirs contemplative traditions. Swami Rams place in this continuum is that of a bridge-builder between classical Kashmir and the modern age. He inherited a tradition that had achieved its classical philosophical expression many centuries earlier. He revived its teaching in a period when its institutional presence had weakened. He created a space where seekers could study and practise. He trained disciples who carried the tradition forward. And he encouraged the preservation and publication of the textual heritage upon which future generations of scholars and practitioners could depend. His legacy therefore belongs not merely to one community or one period. It forms part of the larger intellectual heritage of India. In remembering Swami Ram, Kashmir remembers one of those quiet civilisational figures whose influence cannot be measured simply by books written or institutions founded. His contribution was to ensure that a profound stream of Indian philosophical thought continued to flow. He passed away in 1915, but the lineage did not end with him. It moved through his disciples and ultimately reached new generations and new continents. That may be the most enduring lesson of Swami Rams life: civilisations survive not merely because their monuments remain standing, but because their knowledge is transmitted from one generation to another. Kashmir Shaivism is one such stream of knowledge. Swami Ram was among the modern custodians who helped keep that stream alive. At a time when Kashmirs ancient intellectual inheritance deserves renewed studywithin India and beyondhis life invites us to look again at the philosophical treasures that emerged from the Valley. The story of Swami Ram is, in that sense, not only the story of a saint. It is the story of memory, continuity and civilisational renewal. And perhaps that is why his legacy continues to matter: he did not merely look back at Kashmirs great philosophical past. He helped ensure that it could speak to the future. (The Author is a columnist, a public intellectual and a noted legal eagle)

Turkey mine accident: Three trapped miners found dead, death toll reaches five

Five miners died after a mine collapse in Soma, western Turkey. Rescuers recovered the bodies of three workers trapped underground, while two others were rescued and hospitalised. Seven workers were caught in the collapse, authorities said

Mumbai airport mosque row: MMRDA hearing scheduled for October 5

In a post on X, Somaiya said the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) had informed the authorities that the land was government-owned and that no permission had been granted to Mohammad Sarwar or others for the construction

Dharapuram bypoll campaign: Enthusiastic welcome by workers, people to TN CM Vijay

Digital Desk | Coimbatore, Sep 30 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay, received an enthusiastic welcome from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) workers and members of the public on Wednesday as he arrived to campaign for the Dharapuram Assembly bypoll. CM Vijay flew from Chennai on a private aircraft before beginning his road journey to Dharapuram in Tiruppur district, where he was scheduled to address a public meeting in support of TVK candidate Sathyabama. The visit marked C. Joseph Vijay's first arrival in Coimbatore since taking over as Chief Minister. Party workers and residents gathered along the route to greet him, with people from across the Kongu region joining the crowds. Many had been waiting in the scorching heat, hoping to catch a glimpse of CM Vijay as his campaign vehicle passed through their localities. The reception extended beyond Coimbatore, drawing supporters from surrounding areas ahead of the Dharapuram meeting. After reaching the airport, CM Vijay held a discussion with the District Collector and other government officials. He then walked a short distance along the road before boarding a campaign vehicle for the onward journey. Police made security arrangements along the route, placing barricades on both sides of the road to regulate the crowds. Personnel were deployed to prevent supporters from crossing the roadway as the Chief Ministers vehicle moved towards the meeting venue. The arrangements kept those waiting to see CM Vijay behind the barricades, allowing the campaign vehicle to proceed along the route. Crowds lined both sides of the road as party workers and members of the public awaited his arrival. From Coimbatore airport, CM Vijays route to Dharapuram passed through Chinniyampalayam, Neelambur, Kaniyur, Karumathampatti, Somanur, Karanampettai and Palladam. The journey took him through several localities before reaching the public meeting venue in Tiruppur district. The Dharapuram visit is centred on the partys campaign for Sathyabama, who is contesting the forthcoming Assembly bypoll. The crowds gathering since morning reflected the anticipation surrounding his visit, particularly among supporters waiting along the road rather than at the meeting venue alone. Officials said CM Vijay would return to Chennai by private aircraft at 7 p.m. after completing the public meeting and his campaign engagement in Dharapuram.

Indian sailor among five killed, another injured as Somali forces retake hijacked tanker

Puntland Maritime Police Force says three Pakistanis, one Indian and one Myanmar national were killed before it retook the Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25 from pirates

Indian sailor, 4 others killed by Somali pirates

An Indian sailor was among five crew members killed by pirates aboard the Palau-flagged fuel tanker MT Honour 25 in Somalia. Puntland Maritime Police Force rescued the vessel, apprehending 16 suspected pirates. Separately, another Togo-flagged tanker, MT Eureka, was released with its 12 crew members unharmed, though the vessel was damaged.

Indian crew member among five killed by pirates in Somalia tanker hijacking

An Indian sailor was among five crew members killed by pirates aboard the hijacked fuel tanker MT Honour 25 off Somalia. Puntland forces retook the vessel, arrested 16 suspected pirates and rescued surviving crew members after the deadly attack

Indian Sailor Among 5 Killed By Pirates In Hijacked Somalia Tanker

Puntland Forces Retake Fuel Tanker, Apprehend 16 Suspected Pirates

Somatrace Turns Athlete Movement Into Data

Somatrace is more than just a wearable device. It combines technology with an athletes experience. The post Somatrace Turns Athlete Movement Into Data appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .

Somali pirates kill 5 crew members before tanker rescue, state authorities say

Somali pirates killed five crew members of the hijacked MT Honour 25 petroleum products tanker before it was rescued by security forces, Somalia's semi-autonomous state of Puntland said on Tuesday. The deaths aboard the Palau-flagged ship appear to be the first at the hands of Somali

WFP warns of critical funding shortfalls as climate risks surge in Somalia

Digital Desk | Mogadishu, Sep 29 (IANS) The World Food Program (WFP) warned Tuesday of severe funding shortfalls that are drastically reducing its reach in Somalia amid a humanitarian crisis driven by drought and climate risks. The WFP warned that current funding constraints will force it to assist fewer than 5 per cent of Somalis facing emergency hunger starting in October, down from more than four million people per month during the 2022-2023 drought response, while funding for nutrition treatment will be completely depleted by the end of September, Xinhua News Agency reported. Malnutrition remains alarmingly high, with nearly 2 million children projected to suffer acute malnutrition in 2026, including 433,000 children facing severe acute malnutrition and requiring urgent treatment, it said in its latest report. According to the WFP, Somalia is entering the October-December Deyr rainy season under a high-risk climate scenario. El Nino conditions are expected to bring above-normal rainfall across parts of central and southern Somalia, with climate signals mirroring the severe flood events of 1997 and 2023, WFP said. It said areas along the Juba and Shabelle river basins face the highest risk, raising grave concerns over widespread displacement, loss of livelihoods, and severe disruptions to humanitarian access. Last week, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that projected El Nino rains and severe flooding could affect up to 3.4 million people in Somalia across 16 regions between October and December. OCHA warned that the combination of flooding, displacement, and inadequate sanitation risks triggering widespread waterborne disease outbreaks, occurring just as at least 380 health facilities have closed or scaled back operations due to critical funding shortages. The potential flooding might match or surpass the severe 2023 and 1997 seasons -- Somalia's two worst flood benchmarks -- and arrive before communities recover from the prolonged drought this year, OCHA said on Sept. 22. According to the WFP, one-third of Somalia's population, or 5.4 million people, is acutely food insecure, with nearly 1.5 million facing emergency-level hunger between October and December.

Puntland forces rescue another hijacked ship from Somali pirates

Security forces from Somalia's

'Shoveling money out the door': Minneapolis audit puts Walz & Minnesota Somali fraud under scrutiny

Sikkim BJP backs EC on SIR, rejects Oppn allegations of electoral manipulation

Digital Desk | Gangtok, Sep 28 (IANS) The Sikkim Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday backed the Election Commission's recent clarification on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, dismissing allegations of manipulation and malpractice raised by the Congress and other opposition parties. BJP spokesperson Passang Gyali Sherpa said the poll panel's joint statement had provided factual clarification on what he described as several misleading claims surrounding the electoral process and the ongoing revision exercise. Sherpa added that the Election Commission had made it clear that key operational and regulatory decisions, including the SIR, were taken with the unanimous approval of the full Commission. He also referred to the Election Commission's clarification regarding its communication to the Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, saying it concerned an internal administrative matter involving an officer on deputation and had no connection with the Commission's policy decisions, Information Technology division or the SIR exercise. On the legal aspects of electoral-roll revision, Sherpa said the declaration accompanying Form-6 for the SIR exercise had been examined and upheld by the Supreme Court. He added that statutory procedures under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, continued to govern electoral-roll revisions outside the SIR framework. The BJP leader also highlighted measures announced by the Election Commission to widen voter participation. These include dedicated outreach camps for labourers, homeless citizens and people residing in night shelters, besides door-to-door efforts by Booth Level Officers to distribute and collect forms and facilitate enrolment of eligible voters. Referring to the ongoing SIR process in Sikkim, Sherpa said recognised political parties had been asked to nominate Booth Level Agents (BLA) and BLA-2 representatives at every polling booth. He added that the arrangement would allow political parties to participate in the verification process and assist Booth Level Officers in examining electoral details. Rejecting allegations that the BJP had interferred in or manipulated the voter revision exercise, Sherpa termed the charges completely baseless and devoid of factual foundation. He urged political parties to substantiate allegations with evidence and cautioned against statements that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. Sherpa called upon all stakeholders to respect constitutional institutions and established legal procedures, saying electoral debates should be based on verified facts and the Election Commission's stated framework.

Somanna Highlights AP Railway Expansion As Rs. 108-Cr Guntur ROB Gets Underway

Union minister V. Somanna laid the foundation stone for a Rs. 108-crore four-lane ROB between Guntur and Nambur railway stations.

ECI Clears Air On ECINet Row: What Sandhu And Joshi Told Cabinet Secretary

The Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified on Saturday that the letters sent to the Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan by the Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, were not related to any decision regarding the IT wing of

Work to begin on Rs 108 crore 4-lane ROB between Guntur and Nambur railway stations

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) The government on Saturday said the foundation stone for a four-lane Road Over Bridge (ROB) between Guntur and Nambur railway stations has been laid at an estimated cost of Rs 108 crore. In a key incentive to urban mobility and rail safety under the vision of New Railways, New Andhra Pradesh, the foundation stone was laid by Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, in the presence of Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar. The 668-metre, four-lane ROB will replace Level Crossing (LC) Gate No 3, on the Guntur-Krishna Canal section of the Guntur-Nambur line. Situated near the Inner Ring Road of Guntur City, the bridge connects Bus Stand Road directly with Gorantla Village. Requiring 2.9 acres of land, construction works are scheduled to commence shortly, said Railways Ministry. Somanna said that Indian Railways accords top priority to passenger safety and operational efficiency. He noted that eliminating level crossing gates through modern ROBs and RUBs is an essential step toward achieving zero accidents and punctuality. The minister further stated that the Central Government is modernising rail infrastructure at an unprecedented pace across Andhra Pradesh, and this 4-lane bridge will save valuable commute time, reduce fuel wastage, prevent vehicle detentions, and foster regional socio-economic development. Moreover, 74 railway stations in the state are being modified with modern world class amenities with an investment of Rs 3,500 crore. Dr Pemmasani said the Centre remains firmly dedicated to the rapid expansion of Andhra Pradeshs transport infrastructure. He highlighted that close synergy between Central and State departments is fast-tracking key road and rail projects in the Guntur region to deliver world-class connectivity and resolve long-standing traffic bottlenecks for local residents. The project will help eliminate gate detentions and ensure seamless flow of city vehicular traffic, fuel savings, enhanced train punctuality, and upgraded urban safety.

70th District-Level Chess Championship Begins at MDS Public School

Udaipur: The 70th District-Level Chess Championship was inaugurated at MDS Public School on September 20. The event was inaugurated by the schools founder, Ramesh Chandra Somani, who interacted with the players and formally opened the competition. He wished all participants success and encouraged them to give their best. Boys and girls from the Under-14, Under-17 ... Read more 70th District-Level Chess Championship Begins at MDS Public School

Parikshit Somani receives four-year suspension over doping violation

Indian tennis player Parikshit Somani has been suspended for four years after flunking a dope test during an ATP Challenger tournament in Astana last year. An independent tribunal of the international tennis integrity agency handed the player suspension. The 26-year-old Somani, who reached a career-high doubles ranking of 256 in July 2023, tested positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine in Kazakhstan on July 31, 2025. Somani was handed a provisional suspension on September 23, 2025. In February 2026, the player asserted that he had consumed food prepared by a family member, which had been contaminated by the family member's medicine during the food production process. This became the basis of Somani's explanation at a hearing before an independent tribunal on 19 August 2026. Having considered expert scientific opinions presented by Somani and the ITIA, the independent tribunal concluded that the food contamination theories were 'scientifically implausible', 'highly ..

Luxury hotels and hospitality take centerstage as Gujarat preps for centenary edition of CWG Games

Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 23 (IANS) With Ahmedabad getting ready to host the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2030 and the state setting its sights on Olympic Games 2036, the city's skyline is being shaped by slew of five-star luxury hotels and hospitality projects. Multiple luxury hotels, multi-storey buildings are taking shape in the city to welcome the sporting teams from across the globe, accompanied by thousands and lakhs of guests, slated to arrive in the city during centenary edition of the CWG Games. Many hotels, homestays are under construction, infrastructure development has taken centrestage while city's landscape in being spruced up. According to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, approvals were granted for around nine hotels in 2025 alone, and their construction is underway. Approvals for the construction of four additional hotels were granted this year. Five new five-star hotel projects are coming up along Sindhu Bhavan Road, with three of them already under construction. Plans are also in place to build a 16-storey, five-star hotel with 200300 rooms, along with a convention and exhibition centre, on the western bank of the Sabarmati river. Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani speaking to IANS, told, We approved around nine hotels within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation area in 2025, and their construction is currently in progress. Approvals for four more hotels were granted in 2026, and construction work on these is also underway. A large number of hotels are being built at various locations across Ahmedabad city. Narendra Somani, Ahmedabad President of the Hotel Association, said, Preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games are underway. We are witnessing the development of infrastructure and hospitality projects across the city. Construction has already begun on three hotels near Sindhu Bhavan Road, and plans for two or three additional hotels have been submitted to the municipal corporation for approval; work on these is set to start soon. A large convention centre and a major five-star hotel are being built on the riverfront, alongside one or two new hotels near the airport. In addition to hotels, work is progressing on numerous projects related to roads, bridges, water supply, drainage, railways, and public transport. Notably, Ahmedabad is set to host Commonwealth Games 2030. As the Union government is planning to bid for hosting Olympics 2036, the pace of development in Ahmedabad could make it the de-facto first choice for the international sporting event.

Chargesheet Filed In Triple Murder Case

On June 22 this year, Somasundar (55), his wife Muthulakhmi (480 and their young daughter Supriya (20) were allegedly stabbed and hijacked to death inside their apartment at Sai Green Apartment in Dhamanik Layout in Seegehalli under KR Puram police station limits.

Four Arrested for Stealing Charity Box and Silver Crown from Temple in Bhubaneswar

Airfield Police have cracked a burglary case involving the Maa Tarini Temple in Bhimatangi by arresting four youths, including habitual offenders, on Monday. The arrested accused have been identified as Biku Bhoi alias Dhola (25), Sanjay Bhoi alias Gunga (26), and Silu Bhoi alias Silua (25)all residents of the Sundarpada areaalong with Somanatha Nayak alias [] The post Four Arrested for Stealing Charity Box and Silver Crown from Temple in Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

BMC acts against airport mosque following

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sent a notice to Mumbai Airport authorities directing them to immediately disconnect the water supply line connecting to a mosque adjoining Terminal 2 after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya campaigned against it, alleging land jihad. Former BJP MP Somaiya, known for targeting Muslim-associated structures and areas, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

SGH-ni NH-217 ramani bidingo chang

BAGHMARA: South Garo Hills ajao NH-217 ramani bidingo Non-Coorperation Movement (NCM)-ko ongatangtaina tik kaanga. Iani bidingo nangrimgimin NGO-ni parakatani gitade, South Garo Hills ajani NH-217 ramako ruuta bilsina tarininggija galchipenganina batanggimin September 2 aro 3 tariko salgnina Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM)-ko ongate sal chibongana aganchakchina sorkarina somaiko ongenchimoba daalonaba maming namgipa aro kadongani kattarangko aganchaka dongjani []

Aditya, Sameer Best at Carrom Tournament

In the mens singles second round Shaik Sameer defeated Soma Srikanth 25-0, 25-0 while Sasi Nadipati and Aditya also scored wins with similar scores.

1,000 appointment letters distributed at Rozgar Mela in the country: V. Somanna

Rozgar Mela reflects Centres focus on youth employment, says Union Minister

1,000 appointment letters distributed at Rozgar Mela in the country: V. Somanna

Rozgar Mela reflects Centres focus on youth employment, says Union Minister

Students from Nagaland embark on 10-day Seema Darshan tour organised by Assam Rifles

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) A group of students from Nagaland has embarked on a 10-day Seema Darshan Tour organised by the Assam Rifles under the Army's Spear Corps as part of Operation Sadbhavna, an initiative aimed at exposing youth from remote regions to the country's cultural diversity and strategic frontier areas. Such tours are part of Operation Sadbhavna, through which youngsters from remote areas get an opportunity to visit other parts of the country to learn more about India's rich and diverse culture. It also provides the children a chance to interact with personnel of the defence forces and learn more about their role in defending the country. The present batch includes 20 students and two teachers from the Government Higher Secondary School, Rusoma, in Kohima, Nagaland. They will be visiting Guwahati, Tenga, Tawang and Tezpur before returning to Kohima on September 28. This tour will give the young minds first-hand insight into India's rich diversity, frontier regions and the role of security forces in safeguarding the nation, the Spear Corps has posted on X. Both Tenga and Tawang are in Arunachal Pradesh and play a key role in the defence of India's northern border. At the same time, both places have a rich culture. Tezpur, in Assam, is also of immense strategic importance. It has the headquarters of the Army's IV Corps (Gajraj Corps) and also houses an Indian Air Force fighter base that operates frontline aircraft like the Su-30 MKI. This is the second such tour for the youth in Nagaland this year. In March, 20 students and three teachers from Bhandari in the Wokha district of Nagaland had travelled to Guwahati and Kolkata to explore important educational institutions and historical landmarks. In 2025, students and teachers from the PM Shri Government High School, Yangphi, in the Kiphire district of Nagaland were taken to Delhi and Agra. They visited historical landmarks like the Red Fort and Taj Mahal and also paid tribute at the National War Museum. During the present trip, interactions with senior military officers and community leaders have been planned. This will help foster national integration and empower the youth, the Army said.

Jharkhand HC extends stay on cancellations of JPSC, JSSC appointments; retired judge to monitor probe

Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Jharkhand High Court on Friday extended its stay on the state government's decision to cancel appointments made through the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) examination and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) recruitment process. The court also appointed a retired High Court judge to oversee the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment exercises. A bench of Justice Deepak Roshan heard a batch of petitions challenging the government's decision to annul appointments made through various recruitment examinations, including the JPSC CDPO and JSSC-CGL exams. During the hearing, the court orally observed that while the material available so far suggests that not all appointments were made in a fair manner, it is equally true that not every appointment was tainted. The court expressed concern over the lengthy recruitment process followed by the JPSC, noting that it often takes two to three years to conduct examinations and complete appointments. In such circumstances, the bench observed, a blanket cancellation of appointments could adversely affect many officials against whom no individual wrongdoing has been established. To ensure impartial scrutiny of the allegations, the court appointed retired High Court judge Gautam Kumar Choudhary to monitor the investigation, while retired IPS officer R.K. Malik was designated as the nodal officer for the probe. During the proceedings, both the Jharkhand government and the JPSC submitted their responses before the court. In its affidavit, the state government defended its decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination, arguing that the entire recruitment process had been vitiated by alleged irregularities. According to the government, distinguishing between genuinely successful candidates and those who may have unfairly benefited had become difficult. The government cited Supreme Court guidelines that permit cancellation of an entire examination when the recruitment process is found to be irreparably compromised, and it becomes impossible to separate valid selections from tainted ones. On this basis, it justified its decision to scrap the CGL examination. The affidavit further stated that confidential examination-related work, including question paper printing and distribution to examination centres, had been entrusted to ICN Technology. According to the government, 28 individuals, including the company's CEO Somansh Prakash, have been arrested in connection with the alleged exam scam, while notices have been issued to 265 people. The government also claimed that the investigation had uncovered evidence suggesting that candidates were allegedly coached with answers at locations in Nepal, Asansol, Kolkata, Bihar, Jharia and Bokaro. Of the 28 candidates taken to Nepal, 10 were successful in the CGL examination, the affidavit stated. The investigation is still underway. Senior advocates Rajeev Ranjan, Indrajeet Sinha, Amritansh Vats, Kumar Harsh, Sonal Tiwari and Subhash Rasik Soren, among others, appeared for the petitioners. The state government was represented by senior advocate Meenakshi Arora and Advocate General Rohitashwa Roy, while the JPSC was represented by advocates Sanjay Piperwal and Prince Kumar.

Bengaluru Cantonment station redevelopment to be ready by December: Somanna

Bengaluru Cantonment railway station will open by December 2026 after a Rs 485 crore redevelopment. Yesvantpur station upgrades will finish by November, and KSR Bengaluru station master plan is underway. Track capacity around Bengaluru is expanding to manage rising passenger and freight traffic. A mega coaching terminal at Yelahanka is planned for future rail needs. The Railways is also eliminating level crossings and quadrupling the Bengaluru-Tumakuru line.

Union Minister Somanna, Vijayendra mark PM Modi's birthday with prayers, cleanliness drives

Digital Desk | Tumakuru/Shivamogga (Karnataka), Sep 17 (IANS) Minister of State (MoS) for Jal Shakti and Railways V. Somanna and Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President B.Y. Vijayendra on Thursday participated in various programmes to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday and commemorate his 25 years of public service, praying for his long life and continued service to the nation. Somanna offered special prayers at the Sri Subrahmanya Temple in Tumakuru for the Prime Minister's long life and continued strength to serve the country. Later, he participated in a cleanliness drive at the Tumakuru Railway Station as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. He joined volunteers and personally took up a broom to sweep the railway station premises, highlighting the importance of cleanliness. Schoolchildren warmly welcomed MoS Somanna at the railway station by showering flowers. The union Minister expressed happiness over the affectionate welcome extended by the children. Meanwhile, Vijayendra offered special prayers at the Sri Huchhurayaswamy Temple in Shikaripura on the occasion of PM Modi's birthday. He said PM Modi had been serving the country with a spirit of dedication for the past 25 years and was working tirelessly as the Pradhan Sevak towards fulfilling the vision of a developed India by 2047. Vijayendra added that PM Modi began his public service journey as the Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and became the country's Prime Minister in 2014. He said that PM Modi would complete 25 years in public service on October 7, 2026, marking 25 years since he assumed office as the Gujarat Chief Minister. Vijayendra prayed for PM Modi's long life, good health and continued strength to serve the people of the country. He said that ensuring justice for the most disadvantaged sections of society and making government welfare schemes accessible to all were among PM Modi's key objectives. He said the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan programme would begin on Thursday as desired by BJP President Nitin Nabin. The BJP has announced the nationwide campaign from September 17 to October 17 to mark PM Modi's 25 years in public service. Vijayendra said that BJP workers would organise programmes at booths across all 224 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka. The BJP workers would also light lamps with members of the public at 7 p.m. and pray for PM Modi's long life and greater strength to serve the nation. He urged BJP workers to take the message of PM Modi's various welfare initiatives and vision to every household. Mandal President Hanumanthappa, City President Raghavendra S.S., Mandal Yuva Morcha President Veeranagowda, Mandal Mahila Morcha President Rekha Rajshekhar and party leaders K.S. Gurumurthy, Vasanthgowda, Channaveerappa, Ramanaik, D.L. Basavaraj, Palakshappa, Sachin and Girish Dharwad, among others, were present.

New eel species described from Arabian Sea, named after CMFRI

New species, named Ariosoma cmfriense, was collected from the waters off Kollam in Keralam at a depth of about 300 m in January 2026

UN relief chief fast-tracks funds for displaced people in Yemen

Digital Desk | United Nations, Sep 16 (IANS) UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has released 9 million US dollars in urgent funds to provide assistance to displaced Yemeni families and their host communities, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The United Nations and its humanitarian partners continue to support displaced families and others caught up in the hostilities. But humanitarian supplies and resources are running low, said OCHA on Tuesday (local time). Humanitarian access and movement remain severely constrained due to insecurity. Movement along key routes is restricted or suspended, making it harder to reach many of those in dire need, said OCHA. The office calls on all parties to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law, and facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access so that urgently needed assistance can reach people in need, reports Xinhua news agency. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that escalating hostilities along Yemen's western coast have displaced more than 100,000 people inside the country and forced thousands more to seek safety across Bab al-Mandab Strait in Djibouti. The UNHCR said that humanitarian access is a major challenge and that insecurity, damaged roads, telecommunications disruptions and movement restrictions affect operations. Damage to Al Makha port has further constrained humanitarian movement and logistics. The agency said that fighting has uprooted families across several governorates, raising concerns about further displacement inside Yemen and additional refugee movements if hostilities intensify. Many families fled at short notice with few belongings. Shelter, food, clean water, health care and protection services are among the most urgent needs, as receiving communities and displacement sites become overstretched, said the UNHCR. The agency said that over the past four days, more than 2,400 people have made the sea crossing from Yemen to Djibouti. More than 60 per cent were women, children and older people. People are arriving after a difficult sea journey, many exhausted, distressed and carrying what little they could take with them, said Sandrine Desamours, the UNHCR representative in Djibouti. The response is already under pressure. We urgently need more support before more families arrive and needs outpace our capacity to assist them. The UNHCR is also monitoring the possibility of onward or parallel movements toward Somalia, where contingency planning is under way should additional arrivals materialise. The agency said it is deeply concerned about more than 65,000 registered refugees and asylum-seekers inside Yemen, most from Somalia and Ethiopia, who face renewed risks.

Where is he now?: Kash Patel pressed on Somali-born Minnesota Medicaid fraudster at Senate hearing

Where is he now?: Kash Patel pressed on Somali-born Minnesota Medicaid fraudster at Senate hearing